If you are craving a sweet, gooey, and utterly satisfying treat, this Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining flaky crescent roll dough with a luscious caramel sauce, a hint of cinnamon spice, and optional crunchy pecans, these rolls bake up golden and irresistible, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but comes together quicker than you’d expect, making entertaining or a special weekend morning feel extra special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient here plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and slightly spiced flavors. From the rich caramel to the soft, golden rolls, these components come together to deliver an unforgettable treat.
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is your base, providing a tender and flaky texture that puffs up beautifully when baked.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Gives richness to the caramel and helps create that glossy, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness essential for perfect caramel.
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup: Keeps the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization while adding subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm aroma and enhances all the sweet flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast that complements the caramel.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon to provide a sweet, spiced coating on each crescent roll.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, perfectly pairing with the sweetness.
How to Make Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9-inch round baking dish or cake pan; this ensures your rolls won’t stick and makes the flipping process a breeze. Next, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, signaling that your caramel is beautifully combined and ready. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that added layer of fragrant sweetness.
Step 2: Assemble the Caramel Layer
Once your caramel base is ready, pour it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. If you’re including pecans, sprinkle them over the caramel now to create a delightful nutty layer that will toast while baking. This step sets the stage for the magical flip that reveals caramel-coated rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough carefully and separate it into triangles. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Generously sprinkle each dough triangle with this cinnamon-sugar blend, ensuring every bite will have that perfect touch of spice and sweetness.
Step 4: Roll and Arrange
Roll each cinnamon-coated triangle up, starting from the wide end, forming classic crescent rolls. Then place them point side down over the caramel and pecans in your baking dish, arranging them close enough to touch so they rise and bake with soft edges.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and puffed. The aroma will start filling your kitchen with irresistible notes of caramel and cinnamon; a sure sign your Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe is almost ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Flip and Serve
Let the rolls cool for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly but remain gooey. Then carefully invert the baking dish onto a serving plate to release the rolls, revealing a shiny, sticky caramel topping that glazes each roll beautifully. Serve warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, consider dusting your rolls lightly with powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to warm rolls elevates the indulgence to dessert-worthy delight.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, or alongside fresh fruit to balance their sweetness. A simple side bowl of yogurt or a crisp salad can also create a delightful contrast if you’re serving them for brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in individual ramekins for elegant personal portions or arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pecans and cinnamon sticks for a festive, inviting display. They also make fantastic gifts when wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe treats, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their softness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled rolls by covering the baking dish tightly and freezing for up to two months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual rolls gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 8 minutes to restore their ooey-gooey goodness without drying out.
FAQs
Can I make Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe without pecans?
Absolutely! Pecans are optional and can be omitted if you prefer or have nut allergies. The rolls will still be deliciously sweet and sticky without them.
What’s the best type of crescent roll dough to use?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough from the store works perfectly because it’s already portioned, flaky, and tender—ideal for creating those classic crescent shapes.
Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup?
Yes, maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative and will add a subtle maple flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.
How do I avoid the caramel sticking to the pan too much?
Greasing the pan well and allowing the rolls to cool briefly before flipping helps release the sticky caramel easily without leaving behind much residue.
Are these rolls better fresh or can they be made in advance?
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can prepare them ahead and simply reheat gently. Baking straight from frozen assembled rolls is also convenient without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe is one of those wonderful, comforting dishes that brings smiles and sweet moments to any table. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend morning or impressing guests with minimal effort, these caramel-drizzled rolls deliver on flavor every time. I promise once you try them, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire!
Print
Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sticky and sweet Crescent Caramel Rolls made with buttery caramel sauce, cinnamon-sugar coated crescent dough, and optional crunchy pecans. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a luscious dessert, these rolls bake to golden perfection and are best served warm.
Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Crescent Rolls
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch round baking dish or cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add caramel and pecans to pan: Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel if using, to add a delightful crunch.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
- Prepare crescent dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Sprinkle each triangle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll the crescents: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll up the dough to form crescent rolls.
- Arrange rolls in pan: Place each crescent roll point side down over the caramel in the baking dish, arranging them close together but not touching excessively.
- Bake the rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown on top.
- Cool and invert: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 3–5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate to release the caramel rolls, ensuring the caramel and pecans are on top.
- Serve warm: Serve these sticky, warm caramel rolls immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce to balance the sweetness.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the microwave the next day.
